NIEA - National Indian Education Association

CONSTITUTION

CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
(Amended October 30, 2000)

PREAMBLE
NIEA advocates and assures optimum educational opportunity that is based on tribal cultures, enhancing tribal sovereignty, and maximizing participation in the education of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian people.

NIEA promotes appropriate educational services to be provided with sensitivity to individual, tribal, and cultural values wherever American Indian and Alaska Native learners reside, utilizing the most effective method including those methods to meet special needs.

NIEA coordinates and cooperates with tribal and other organizations to provide future directions, increased communication, and effective leadership in education, cultural, social, and economic development for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

NIEA advocates communication and effective Indian leadership throughout Indian country for the purpose of promoting educational research, educational advancement, educational personnel development, and to implement the ideals of NIEA.

ARTICLE I
The name of the Corporation shall be the National Indian Education Association (NIEA).

ARTICLE II - CORPORATE SEAL
The corporate seal shall be circular in form and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation, and the name of the state of incorporation and the words "Corporate Seal."

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
The Corporation shall have three categories of membership which shall be defined as follows:

General Voting Membership: General voting membership shall be composed of those who:
a. Meet the definition of Indian, as presented; or
b. Meet the definition of Native Hawaiian, as presented; and
c. Who are at least 18 years of age.

Student Voting Membership: Student voting membership shall be open to those persons who:
a. Meet the definition of Indian, as presented; or
b. Meet the definition of Native Hawaiian, as presented; and
c. Is currently enrolled full-time, as defined by their institution, in a post-secondary institution of higher learning and will be for two full semesters or three quarters within the membership year; and
d. Who are at least 18 years of age.

Associate Membership: Associate membership shall be open to all those persons who do not meet the requirements for student or general voting membership. Associate members shall not have the power to vote on NIEA business.

International Associate: Those Tribal members who choose to be associated with NIEA who reside outside of the United States.

Definition of American Indian: For the purposes of the NIEA Constitution, the term "American Indian" shall mean any person who: 1) is a member of a tribe, band, or other organized group of Indians, including those tribes, bands, or groups terminated since 1940 and those recognized now or in the future by the state in which they reside, or who is a descendent, in the first or second degree, of any such member, or 2) is considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for any purpose, or 3) is an Eskimo or Aleut or other Alaska Native, or 4) is recognized as an Indian by his/her community.

Definition of Native Hawaiian: For the purposes of the NIEA Constitution, the term "Native Hawaiian" shall mean any descendent of the aboriginal peoples inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands, who exercised sovereignty and subsisted in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, and who have continued to maintain residency in Hawaii.

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Powers: The affairs of the Association shall be managed by its Board of Directors. The Board shall carry out the functions of the organization between meetings of that body and perform such acts as may be assigned to it and shall carry out the purposes and policies of the Association. The acts of the Board of Directors shall be effective for all purposes as the act or authorization of the Association, provided however, that the Board of Directors shall have no authority to repeal, rescind, veto, or repudiate any action taken at any general meeting of the Association, or at any special meeting held thereafter. A majority of the vote by the membership at a meeting at which the quorum is present shall be necessary for the adoption of any motion.

Elections: Election of the Board of Directors will be by vote of the voting membership and shall be in accordance with NIEA election procedures as stated in the NIEA By- Laws. Each voting member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the membership. Proxy votes shall not be allowed.

Reimbursement/Indemnification: No salary or fees shall be paid to the Board of Directors, as such, but the Directors will be reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of the corporation upon submission of an itemized report of any expense incurred to the president.

Each present and future director or officer, whether or not in office, and the executors, administrators, or legal representatives of any such director or officer, shall be indemnified by the corporation against all reasonable costs and expenses (including the cost of reasonable settlements made with a view of curtailment of the costs of litigation, but exclusive of any amount paid to this corporation in settlement) and counsel fees paid or incurred in connection with, or arising out of, any action, suit, or proceeding to which any director or officer or his/her executors, administrators, or other legal representatives may hereafter be made a party by reason of his/her being or having been a director or officer of the corporation; provided:

a. the action, suit, or proceeding shall be prosecuted to final determination and it shall not be finally adjudged that he/she had been derelict in the performance of his/her duties as such director or officer, or
b. the action, suit, or proceeding shall be settled or otherwise terminated as against such director or officer or his/her executors, administrators, or other legal representatives without a final determination on the merits and it shall be determined that such director or officer had not in any substantial way been derelict on the performance of his/her duties as charged in such action, suit, or proceeding, such determination to be made by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors who were not parties to such action, suit, or proceeding although less than a quorum or by any one or more disinterested persons to whom the question may be referred by the Board of Directors, for the purposes of the preceding sentence,

(1) "action, suit, or proceeding" shall include every action, suit, or proceeding, civil, criminal or other;
(2) the right of indemnification conferred thereby shall extend to any threatened action, suit, or proceeding, and the failure to institute shall be deemed as final determination.
(3) a judgment of conviction in any criminal action, suit, or proceeding shall not constitute a determination that the person(s) so convicted has been derelict in the performance of his/her duties if it is determined by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors who are not a party thereto, although less than a quorum, or by one or more disinterested persons to the question may be referred by the Board of Directors, that the person so convicted acted in good faith, for a purpose which he/she reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the corporation; and that he/she had no reasonable cause to believe that his/her conduct was unlawful.
The Corporation shall also indemnify any employee who is not an officer to the same extent that it does any officer. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which any director or officer or employee may be entitled as a matter of law or which may be lawfully granted to him/her.

Qualifications: Directors shall be voting members of the Association.

Number: The number of directors shall be twelve (12). Ten of the directors shall at all times be general voting members and two at all times shall be student voting members. All directors shall be elected by the voting membership (general and student).

Term: Directors elected by the general voting membership shall be elected so that one third of these directors shall have terms expiring at each annual meeting. Student directors shall serve terms of two (2) years and must meet the criteria of student voting membership each year of their term or they must relinquish their seat.

Number of Officers: The officers of this corporation shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a President-elect.

Election of Officers: At each annual meeting of the Board of Directors, the board shall elect, from within their number, the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the President-elect. Such officers shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the membership. The President and all other officers who may be directors shall continue to hold office until the election and qualification of their successors.

Duties: The duties of the officers shall be as follows:

a. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the general membership, he/she shall assume other duties as prescribed in this document, and he/she may execute and deliver, with the approval of the Board of Directors in the name of the corporation, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation and, in general, shall perform all duties usually incident to the office of the President. The President shall represent the organization in any public presentations or designate a member to do so. The President may with the approval of the Board of Directors obligate the organization up to three (3) years and with the approval of the membership for longer periods of time.

b. The Vice President shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be specified in the By-Laws or prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President. In the event of absence or disability of the President, the Vice President shall succeed to his/her power and duties in the order designated by the Board of Directors. The Vice President shall have the duty to assure appropriate function of committees.

c. The Secretary shall be secretary of, and shall attend all meeting of the members and the Board of Directors, and shall cause to be recorded all of the proceedings of such meetings in a minute book of the corporation, and shall cause all elections to be conducted. He/she shall cause to be given proper notice of meetings of members and directors. The Secretary shall record all proceedings of the Board meetings including the final meeting following the annual convention, and cause the minutes to be disseminated to Board members.

d. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain an account for all monies and property of the Association received and disbursed. He/she shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him/her. The Treasurer shall report a financial statement to the voting membership at least twice annually.

e. The President-elect shall Chair or Co-chair the NIEA Convention prior to assuming duties as President. He/she shall be a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, and shall vote as such. He/she will coordinate closely with all officers and committees to become acquainted with their duties and responsibilities. He/she will be bound by all of the Association's rules.

Removal: Any director may be removed from the Board of Directors by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board members for not fulfilling their responsibilities to the NIEA, failing to meet membership criteria for the board position they hold, or failing to pay membership dues, or misusing their position as a Board director, or for being convicted of a felony.

Resignation: Any director may resign by filing notice with the Secretary and the resignation accepted by the Board.

Vacancies: Any vacancy shall be filled by the Board of Directors electing an officer from within their number to fill the unexpired term until the next annual meeting.

Other Officers: An officer position may be approved by the voting NIEA membership and thereafter filled by the Board of Directors from within the existing Board.

ARTICLE V - EMPLOYEES

Executive Director: An executive director may be employed by the Board of Directors to fulfill the stated purposes and objectives of the Association. He/she may in turn recommend employment of other employees with approval of the Board of Directors.

Qualifications And Duties: Qualifications and duties of employees shall be determined by the Board of Directors and be revised as necessary. The Executive Director shall develop personnel policies to be approved by the Board for the conduct of employees.

Conflict of Interest: Members of the Board of Directors may not be employees of NIEA.

Nepotism: Persons related to Board members and/or the Executive Director may not be employed by NIEA.

ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES

Creation: The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, or the general membership, may cause committees to be formed with guidelines for their operation.

a. The President will appoint the chairperson(s) of the committees from within the members of the Board of Directors upon their taking office or from the general membership with Board approval.
b. The Committee chair(s) shall prepare a report for the Vice President to be given
to the Board at each regularly scheduled Board meeting.

ARTICLE VII - RATIFICATION

Changes or revisions of the Constitution will require two-thirds (2/3) of at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting membership to move for ratification.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

Amendments will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of thirty-five percent (35%) of the voting membership.

ARTICLE IX - BY-LAWS

By-Laws will require for passage two-thirds (2/3) vote of the votes cast by the voting membership. The NIEA Board of Directors will cause By-Laws to be established for the Association which will outline the internal operations of the organization.

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Amended this 30th day of October, 2000 at the 31st annual National Indian Education Association convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dr. Gloria E. Sly, President (1999-2000) National Indian Education Association

BYLAWS

- BY-LAWS OF THE NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
(Amended October 30, 2000)

INTRODUCTION
These By-Laws are governed by and subject to the provisions contained within the Constitution of the National Indian Education Association. By-Laws are therefore secondary or subordinate to the aforementioned Constitution. By-Laws are made and used for the regulation of the internal affairs of the corporation and its dealings with others and for the government of its members.

ARTICLE I - PURPOSES
The name of the corporation shall be the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). The purposes of the organization are:

A. Advocacy:
1. To evaluate and improve the delivery of tribal, federal, state, and local educational services.
2. To establish and maintain liaisons with tribal, federal, state, and international agencies.
3. To provide analyses and proactive strategies about issues pertaining to the education of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.
4. To define issues in anticipation rather than in reaction.
5. To make recommendations in the area of legislation.
6. To promote human resource development among American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians by aligning educational and life-long learning experiences with employment opportunities.

B. Technical Assistance Services:
1. To perform a technical clearinghouse function for education-related issues and developments.
2. To assess and coordinate existing resources and technical assistance services.
3. To identify NIEA membership who can provide technical assistance where needed.
4. To conduct educational workshops and forums outside the annual convention.

C. Coordination:
1. To conduct coordination activities with national Indian organizations, federal, state and international agencies.
2. To coordinate specific activities with state Indian education associations, state education organizations, and regional American Indian and Alaska Native entities.
3. To maintain active relationships with tribal governments, tribal education departments, and Alaska Native corporations.
4. To conduct active relationships with local educational agencies.

D. Communication:
1. To conduct an annual convention for assembling the membership of the NIEA to facilitate organizational business.
2. To coordinate workshops, forums, meetings, and hearings to be held concurrently with the annual convention.
3. To disseminate specific education issue alerts.
4. To disseminate a quarterly newsletter during the months of January, April, July, and October.
5. To promote the development and communication of Indian education research findings.
6. To develop position papers as may be needed.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

A. Membership: The annual NIEA membership shall commence from the opening of each annual convention.

B. Fees: Organizational membership fees will be determined and set by the NIEA Board of Directors.

C. Lifetime Membership: An NIEA lifetime membership will be provided to the past presidents of NIEA at the conclusion of each presidential term, and to past recipients of the annual NIEA Indian Educator of the Year.

D. Honorary Membership: An NIEA honorary membership can be conferred only at the direction and approval of the NIEA Board of Directors. The honorary memberships will be awarded from the appropriate category of NIEA membership.

E. Approvals: The NIEA Board of Directors shall be the power to establish procedures and to rule on membership approvals.

F. Transfers/Reassignments: An NIEA membership shall not be transferable or reassignable.

G. Resignations: Any member may resign by filing a written notice of such intention with the NIEA secretary.

H. Termination: An NIEA membership may be terminated for cause, after an appropriate hearing, by a majority vote of the NIEA Board of Directors. Any membership so terminated will not preclude an application for membership during the next subsequent membership period.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

A. Annual Membership Meeting: The annual meeting of the members shall be held during the annual convention.

B. Place and Time of Membership Meeting: The NIEA Board of Directors shall have the authority to specify the day, time, and place of meetings to be held, provided that proper notice of such meeting is given.

C. Notice of Membership Meetings: Written notice stating the day, time, and place of any meeting of members shall be delivered by mail to each member entitled to vote at such meeting, by or at the direction of the President, or the officers or members calling the meeting. In case of a special meeting or when required by statute or by the By-Laws, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be stated in the notice. The notice of a meeting shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the member at his/her address as it appears on the records of the corporation, with postage thereon paid.

D. Waiver of Notice: Whenever any notice is required to be given under provisions of the Non-profit Corporation Act of Minnesota or under provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, a waiver in writing, signed by the member(s) whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

E. Special Membership Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the majority of the NIEA Board of Directors or by petition signed by not less than ten percent (10%) of the voting membership. The validation of the membership identified on a petition shall be the responsibility of the NIEA Board Secretary.

F. Action Without Meetings: Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of the NIEA membership, or any organizational business that may be taken at a meeting of the NIEA membership, may be enacted without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth that action so taken, shall be signed by twenty percent (20%) of the members entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter whereof. The validation of the membership providing consent shall be the responsibility of the NIEA Board Secretary.

G. Order: All meetings are to be conducted by the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order, as most recently revised. A process to waive the use of Robert's Rules of Order shall conform to the most recently revised Robert's Rules of Order.

H. Parliamentarian: The President shall annually appoint a parliamentarian to rule on points of order.

I. Quorum/Adjourned Meeting: Thirty-five percent (35%) of the entire NIEA membership of the corporation shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any annual or special meeting. Once a quorum has been established, a meeting may be recessed from time to time without notice other than by an announcement at that meeting. At reconvened meetings, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.

J. Voting Privileges:
1. Each general and student member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter presented to a vote of the membership, except for the election of directors as specified below.
2. Proxy votes shall not be allowed.
3. Once a quorum is established, a majority vote of the general and student membership present at the meeting shall be necessary for the adoption of any formal action.

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A. Election Procedures: The election of board members shall follow the procedures outlined below:
1. The procedures pertaining to the qualifications and election of the NIEA Board of Directors will be published each year in the Annual Call to Convention and sent to all NIEA voting members.
2. General member terms are for three (3) years, and student member terms are for two (2) years.
3. Only American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, as defined under the NIEA Constitution are eligible to serve on the NIEA Board.
4. Only NIEA members in good standing may make nominations, be nominated and then be elected.
5. Student nominees must meet the definition of student membership criteria as outlined in the Constitution.
6. NIEA members nominated for Board positions will be voted on by both general and student members.
7. NIEA Board nominations will require a postmark deadline of 90 calendar days prior to the first day of the Convention. In all cases requiring a postmark, if the deadline dates falls on a Sunday, the Saturday preceding the deadline date will be used.
8. Election of board members will be held on-site at the NIEA convention. Election procedures will be in accordance with elections procedures established and published by the NIEA Board of Directors.
9. Absentee balloting will be provided for NIEA members not able to attend the NIEA convention. Absentee voting procedures will be in accordance with election procedures established and published by the NIEA Board of Directors.
10. All official ballots meeting the postmark deadline listed in the Call to Convention will be tallied by members of the Elections Committee one day prior to the start of the annual NIEA convention.
11. Ballots shall be spoiled if the member votes for more than the number required, or if the ballot is unclear in any way. The NIEA Parliamentarian will preside as the official election judge.
l2. The elections results will be announced at the Third General Assembly at each convention.
13. Board members elected shall officially assume duties at the first NIEA Board of Directors meeting following the NIEA convention at which they were elected.

B. Re-election: No director shall serve more than one (1) consecutive term.

C. Board Meetings:
1. The NIEA President shall give notice by mail of any regular or special meetings at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. Such notice will be done with the proper postage. A meeting of the NIEA Board of Directors may also be called by four (4) board members. The business and/or purpose of the meeting shall be specified for such meeting.
2. A quorum shall be seven (7) of twelve (12) board members present unless otherwise specified.
3. Meetings of the NIEA Board of Directors shall be conducted according t o Robert's Rules of Order, as most recently revised. All meetings shall be open to the membership and general public.
4. Executive session(s) may be called by a majority vote of the NIEA Board of Directors for matters dealing with personnel, grievances, organizational procedures, and negotiations related to contracts, grants, and agreements. Any motion to enter into executive session will require a stated purpose with the time reported for entering and closing such session(s) in the official minutes.
5. The President may conduct meetings of the board by conference call for issues requiring immediate attention and necessary actions by the board, provided that waivers of notice be given orally and confirmed in writing with the NIEA Secretary. Written confirmation of each vote shall be forwarded to the Secretary.

D. Executive Committee: The NIEA Board of Directors by three-fourths (3/4) affirmative action of the entire board may establish an Executive Committee consisting of the officers of the Association. Such committee may meet at stated times or on notice by the NIEA President. During intervals between meetings of the board, such committee shall advise and aid the officers of the corporation in all matters concerning the business and affairs of the corporation, and generally perform such duties and exercise such powers as may be directed or delegated from time to time by the Board of Directors. The NIEA Board of Directors by three fourths (3/4) affirmative action may authorize the executive committee to exercise the powers of the NIEA Board of Directors and the power to fill vacancies on the NIEA Board of Directors.

E. Travel Compensation: The NIEA Board of Directors may receive compensation for travel expenses incurred with regular, special, or committee meetings. Such compensation shall be provided according to the most current federal rates.

ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES

A. Committees: Board members for committees shall be selected on an annual basis with duties to be assigned by the Board of Directors.
1. Legislative
2. Resolutions
3. Elections
4. Awards
5. Publicity
6. Convention
7. Education Research
Other standing or ad hoc committees may be organized at the discretion of the NIEA Board. Committees will convene and perform related tasks, as appropriate.

B. Committee Selection: The chairperson(s) of each committee shall select or accept members to the committee subject to the majority approval of the Board. Committee membership shall not be limited to NIEA board members. Any committee vacancy may be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.

C. Terms: The terms of the chairperson(s) and committee members shall expire at the conclusion of the annual NIEA convention.

D. Number of Individual Chairs for One Board Member: An NIEA board member may not serve as chairperson for more than two (2) committees.

E. Committee Expenses: Any committee-related expenses shall be subject to prior approval of the NIEA Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI - INTERORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATIONS

The NIEA Board of Directors may establish formal affiliations with American Indian/Alaska Native organizations such as state Indian education associations, regional corporations, tribal and Indian student organizations, and other entities, as deemed appropriate.

ARTICLE VII - ORGANIZATIONAL SPOKESPERSONS

The NIEA Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and/or the President with authorization by the Executive Committee, may select a spokesperson(s) to represent the views of the Association for certain topic areas or issues for a specific event or function. Such a spokesperson(s) shall report in writing to the NIEA Board about the activity or task the individual was involved with.

ARTICLE VIII - GENERAL BUSINESS

A. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Association shall commence on July 1st of each year and conclude on June 30th of the following year.

B. Bonding: The NIEA Board of Directors shall require any officer or employee handling or having custody of organizational funds to give bond with good sufficient surety in an amount and character to be determined by the Association in compliance with regulations and authorize payment of the premium(s) from the funds of the Association.

C. Contracts: The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the corporation, in addition to the officers so authorized by these By- Laws, to enter into any contract, or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

D. Checks: All checks, drafts, or orders for payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issues in the name of the corporation shall be signed by at least two (2) members of the NIEA Board, agent or agents of the corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

E. Deposits/Funds: The NIEA Board of Directors shall have the power to acquire and receive funds and property of every kind and nature whatsoever, whether by purchase, conveyance, lease, gift, bequest, grant, legacy, devise, or otherwise, and to own, hold, invest, spend, make gift, grants and contributions of, and to convey, transfer, and dispose of any funds and property and the income there from for the furtherance of the purposes of this corporation or any of them and to lease, mortgage, encumber, invest, and use the same, and such other powers as are consistent with the foregoing purposes and which are afforded to the corporation of the Minnesota Non-profit Corporation Act.

F. Audit: The NIEA Board of Directors shall cause the records and books of account of the corporation to be audited at least once in each year and at such other times as it may deem necessary or appropriate.

G. Examination by Members and Directors: Every member or director of the corporation shall have the right to examine in person, or by agent or attorney, at any reasonable time or times, for any proper purpose, and at the place or places where usually kept, all books and records of the corporation and to make extracts therefrom at the expense of the individual requesting such corporate documentation.

H. Information to Members and Directors: Upon request by a member or director of the corporation, the Association shall furnish to that individual a statement showing the financial results of all operations and transactions affecting income and surplus during the corporation's last fiscal year, and a balance sheet containing a summary of its assets and liabilities as of the closing date of such fiscal year. The cost of furnishing such information shall be the responsibility of the member or director requesting the information.

I. Reimbursement to Directors: No salary or fees shall be paid to directors, as such, but the directors will be reimbursed for expenses incurred while conducting business on behalf of the corporation. An itemized report for any expenses incurred shall be signed by the director and submitted to the NIEA President and Treasurer prior to reimbursement. If the reimbursement is for more than $100.00 to any one director in any one month, then the Treasurer shall mail a copy of the report to each director within ten (10) days after the close of such month.

ARTICLE IX - ANNUAL CONVENTION

A. Convention Site: The site of the annual NIEA convention will be selected by vote of the NIEA membership, at least five (5) years prior to the date of that convention to be considered, from a group of cities selected by the NIEA Board of Directors. 1. The NIEA Board of Directors shall send requests for proposals to selected cities which will have the capacity to host the annual NIEA convention, will be cost effective and profitable for NIEA, will maximize attendance and participation by the NIEA membership, and will increase and promote the visibility of NIEA.

B. Default: In the event that the NIEA Board of Directors or the host organization(s) for a designated convention declares a default in the fulfillment of a convention proposal, the Board shall be authorized to select an alternative convention site.

C. Terms, Contracts, and Agreements: The NIEA Board of Directors shall have the authority to negotiate and approve all terms, contracts, and agreements related to the annual convention, including but not limited to the following:
1. Approving convention dates and program agenda.
2. Executing all convention contracts and agreements.
3. Selecting keynote speakers, honorees, and award recipients.
4. Approving the convention theme, poster, and logo(s).
5. Approving the Call to Convention booklets and promotional flyers.
6. Approving convention fees, expenditures, and revenue-sharing agreements.
7. Approving the final convention program booklet.

ARTICLE X - RESOLUTIONS

A. Definition: For Association purposes, a resolution shall be defined as a formal expression, intent, belief, or position to be considered by the Association, adopted by the voting membership, generally at the designated annual convention, and which provides for action or the direction in which the Association shall move toward. All resolutions must express that which is within the scope of the goals and objectives of the organization.

B. Submissions: All proposed resolutions shall be submitted by NIEA members in good standing during the year or before the annual convention with a deadline of at least fifteen (15) days prior to the beginning of the next annual convention. A proposed resolution with names, addresses, and phone numbers of the resolution sponsors shall be submitted to the NIEA Resolutions Committee at the designated office of the Association. Emergency resolutions to be considered at the annual convention must be submitted to the NIEA Resolutions Committee no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the last NIEA general membership meeting to allow for adequate screening and presentation to the membership for voting.

C. Procedures: The NIEA Board of Directors by recommendation of the NIEA Resolutions Committee shall adopt uniform procedures related to the formal submission and consideration of proposed resolutions. Such procedures shall be made known to the NIEA membership through the Association newsletter and/or Call to Convention booklet.

D. Adoption: All resolutions duly adopted by the NIEA membership shall be signed by the NIEA President and disseminated to the appropriate agencies for action on the issue(s) or concern(s) addressed by the resolution. Any resolution not recommended by the board to the voting membership shall be returned to the sponsor(s) with an explanation of reason or reasons why such action was taken.

E. Disposition: The designated office of the Association shall maintain a record and publish by title all adopted and rejected resolutions for dissemination to the NIEA membership, for appropriate organizational follow-up, and for future reference.

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

All By-Laws of the Corporation shall be in conformity with the provisions of the NIEA Constitution. If and when the constitution is revised or amended, the NIEA Board of Directors shall cause a concurrent revision or amendment to these By-Laws, as applicable. By-Laws may be revised or amended by a majority vote of the ballots cast at the annual convention.

A. Amendment Process: Revisions or amendments of the NIEA Constitution and By- Laws will be implemented according to the following procedures:
1. Any person proposing to revise or amend the NIEA Constitution and By-Laws shall be an NIEA member in good standing.
2. The specific wording of a revision or amendment must be submitted in writing to the NIEA Board of Directors. The NIEA Board must by two-thirds (2/3) vote approve of the presentation of the proposed revision or amendment to the NIEA membership for consideration at the annual convention.
3. NIEA members in good standing have the option of presenting for membership consideration any proposed revision or amendment by a petition signed by NIEA voting members totaling not less than fifty (50) of the NIEA voting membership at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual convention. Such petition shall be filed with the NIEA Secretary after which the NIEA Board shall direct that the proposed revision or amendment be submitted to a vote of the NIEA membership at the annual convention.
4. An NIEA Constitution Committee will be established to implement the process for presenting a proposed revision or amendment to the NIEA membership. A written notice of the proposed revision or amendment shall be mailed to all NIEA members at least fifteen (15) days prior to the annual convention.
5. Voting on a proposed revision or amendment shall take place at the annual convention. An NIEA Constitution Committee will be responsible for tabulating the official votes and for reporting the voting outcome to the NIEA membership.

B. Effective Date: Any duly-adopted revision or amendment to the NIEA Constitution and By-Laws shall become effective at the first NIEA Board of Directors meeting held after the conclusion of each annual convention.

C. Certification of Amendment(s): All duly amended By-Laws shall be certified upon the signature of the President following the convention during which the By-Laws were revised or amended.

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Amended this 30th day of October, 2000 by the National Indian Education Association board meeting.